Occurrence of phthalates and 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene in dry foods packed in cellulosic materials

Abstract

Paper and cardboard for food packaging are non-inert materials that can transfer chemical compounds by migration into food. Phthalates, namely dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (DIPN) are some of the compounds that can migrate into food. In this study, 7 dry foods [wheat flour (2), powdered chocolate (2), cornstarch, toast and biscuit] in paper packaging were evaluated for the presence of DBP, DIBP, DEHP and DIPN by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Only two food samples (powdered chocolate and toast) did not contain any of the studied substances. In the other dry food samples, 1, respectively 2 of the investigated phthalates were detected. DEHP was found in the highest concentration (ranging from 1.56 to 3.85 mg kg− 1), followed by DIBP (ranging from 0.36 to 1.51 mg kg− 1). The values exceeded the migration limits established by Mercosur and European Union legislation by 2.5 to 5 times, indicating the need to improve process control and to adopt stricter good manufacturing practices, in order to avoid exposure of the population to these substances.